2005 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2005 

Was “normal” following two hot and dry vintages. Bud break was two weeks earlier than usual due to unusually warm weather in March. April turned cold and rainy, delaying the growth some. Mid-June in the Willamette Valley saw cooler and wetter weather that limited the fruit set, causing uneven set with small shot berries mixed with more normal size berries. The summer was dry and warm, with fewer days above 90° than the two previous vintages. The fruit was picked beautifully ripe and clean.